Fast boil vs. low and slow: Science reveals best way to boil an egg

LOS ANGELES - Perfectly boiling an egg isn’t as simple as it seems. Too much heat leads to chalky yolks, while cooking low and slow can leave the whites runny. 

Now, scientists have developed a method that cycles eggs between hot and lukewarm water to create an ideal balance of textures.

The science behind the perfect boiled egg

The backstory:

For years, achieving the perfect boiled egg has been a challenge. 

Scientists aimed to solve this by using mathematical models to understand how heat travels through an egg during cooking. 

After boiling hundreds of eggs, they developed a precise method for optimizing texture, analyzing how heat transforms the egg from liquid to solid.

How does periodic cooking work?

By the numbers:

Scientists found that alternating temperatures leads to better results than a steady boil. Their method:

• Transfer the eggs every two minutes between two water baths—one boiling and one at 86°F (30°C).
• Repeat this cycle for 32 minutes.
• Cool the eggs under running water before peeling.

By repeatedly heating and cooling, the egg whites gradually firm up while the yolk stays creamy and spreadable—offering a better texture than conventional boiling.

FILE - Eggs lie in a pot of boiling water. (Photo by Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Is it worth the extra effort?

What they're saying:

Some food scientists say this approach improves texture, but it may not be practical for home cooks.

Joanne Slavin, a food scientist at the University of Minnesota, said the process takes longer than a standard hard-boil but results in a better texture. "This is a slower process to get a better outcome," she said.

Gregory Weiss, a chemist at UC Irvine, noted that the method is feasible for home kitchens. "You could definitely do this at home with half a dozen eggs or so," he said.

For those willing to invest extra time, the reward is a yolk that spreads like butter on bread.